Luxury Cruising Editorial

Cruise ships along the Southeastern Queensland coast of Australia are being forced to alter their itineraries as Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 system, intensifies and approaches the Port of Brisbane, traveling at 9 miles per hour (14 kilometers per hour).

Cunard’s Queen Anne and the Norwegian Sun have both skipped their scheduled visits to Brisbane, as the Norwegian Cruise Line ship headed straight to Cairns instead, while Queen Anne sailed toward Airlie Beach in North Queensland, where she will arrive on Tuesday.

Queen Anne will then call on Yorkeys Knob on March 6, and the adjusted schedule will allow the Cunard ship to arrive in Darwin a day early on March 10.  This will help make sure the ship is back on schedule to continue her 112-day world cruise that is set to arrive in Germany on April 29, 2025.

As Alfred intensified into a Category 2 cyclone, the Port of Brisbane was closed, and commercial shipping was directed to evacuate. The Bureau of Meteorology warned of high tides and potentially hazardous swells in the area.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli reassured the public that assistance was being provided to the impacted cruise ships and stated the following:

“I’ve just received some information only in the last couple of minutes: two of those are looking for alternative ports and we will assist them in that. One will be endeavouring to come into the Port of Brisbane and offloading those passengers.  We will do everything we can to assist them in that regard as well as those other two.”

Steve Hardaker, Maritime Safety Queensland’s Manager of Vessel Traffic Services in Brisbane, warned that the cyclone’s impact would continue to disrupt the itineraries of cruise ships for days to come.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Thursday or Friday and is likely to bring strong winds and major rainfall.   A flood watch has been issued for northern and south-east Queensland

The storm’s seven-meter swells would not only make for a very uncomfortable ride for cruise passengers but would be a safety concern as well.

Typically, the Port of Brisbane sees a steady flow of cruise traffic, with 21 port stops scheduled for the month of March alone.

Carnival Luminosa and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas are currently scheduled to visit Brisbane on March 6 and 7 respectively.  There currently has not been any word on alterations to the itineraries on those ships, but passengers are encouraged to check with their cruise line for any recent updates.

MSC Cruises is going big on Caribbean sailings this summer.  And if you’re looking for an affordable cruise getaway, you have at least five ships to choose from with the cruise line.

Whether you like the new ship smell, want a family-friendly getaway, or a classic Caribbean cruise, MSC has released some details about summer offerings in 2025. Here’s a closer look at the five ships sailing to the tropical paradise so many cruisers love:

1. MSC World America: (PortMiami)  

MSC World America has been getting a lot of attention lately, as it’s the newest addition to the fleet, making its inaugural Caribbean season from PortMiami. The new flagship promises a “new world” of cruising with innovative venues and experiences like an over-water swing called “Cliffhanger”.

Cruisers can expect a modern, high-energy atmosphere and a sleek design MSC is known for.  There’s also a lot of excitement about the exclusive Eataly restaurant at sea. This 6,762-passenger ship will be offering 7-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. 

Passengers on MSC World America will have the chance to experience a wide variety of ports of call in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras and MSC Cruises’ private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

MSC World America is the second World-class ship with the cruise line, after MSC World Europa was built in 2022.

2. MSC Seascape: (PortMiami)

MSC Seascape will be sailing from PortMiami for the summer of 2025, before it moves to Galveston for the winter months. You can choose from 3- to 4-night getaways to the Bahamas and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, perfect for a quick escape, or opt for a 7-night itinerary that includes Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

MSC Seascape, a 2021 Seaside-class ship, features a signature aft infinity pool and multiple outdoor dining venues, designed to maximize ocean views and appeal to a wide range of travelers.

Basically, MSC went all-in on the outdoor space. You get tons of promenades and decks, so you can really soak up the sun and sea air.  After all, the whole point of a cruise is to enjoy the ocean –well, one point of it.

3. MSC Seashore: (Port Canaveral)

Sailing from Port Canaveral, MSC Seashore will provide a range of 3- to 7-night itineraries that explore the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas. Expect stops at popular destinations like Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Nassau, Isla de Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.

The 3^rd Seaside-class ship to be built by MSC Cruises, MSC Seashore is already homeporting in Port Canaveral and is offering everything from short 3-day cruises to The Bahamas and longer 10-day and 11-day sailings to the Western Caribbean

4. MSC Meraviglia: (New York, NY)

New Yorkers and New Englanders can enjoy a getaway to the Caribbean with easy access to the New York cruise port, but there will be an extra sea day before those warmer climates can be reached.

MSC Meraviglia will be offering 7-night itineraries from New York City to the Caribbean. This ship provides a unique opportunity to combine a city break with a tropical getaway. Expect stops at Port Canaveral, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and Nassau. This is a great choice for those who want to experience the best of both worlds and for those who live in the northern part of the U.S. and don’t want to have to fly to Florida to enjoy a cruise.

 Beyond the Caribbean: European Sailings

In addition to their Caribbean sailings, MSC Cruises announced they are also deploying a significant portion of their fleet in Europe for summer 2025. Passengers can choose from a wide range of Mediterranean itineraries, departing from multiple ports and exploring various destinations across Italy, Greece, Spain, and France.

For those seeking cooler climates, Northern Europe voyages will feature the Norwegian fjords, Icelandic landscapes, and Baltic capitals, with sailings from ports in Germany and the UK.

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an airlift rescue of a 9-year-old girl from a cruise ship 170 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas, on Monday.

According to a U.S. Coast Guard X account for the 8th Coast Guard District, known as Heartland, the child was taken by helicopter to a nearby medical facility at UTMB Health (University of Texas Hospital in Galveston).

Recent reports reveal that the girl was in stable condition while being transported to the medical facility, and no other updates have been provided.

USGC Heartland posted the following on X:

“Air Station Houston medevaced a 9-year-old girl from a cruise ship 170 miles offshore Galveston, Monday. The helicopter crew arrived on scene and transported her to the UTMB. The patient was last reported to be in stable condition.”

Air Station Houston medevaced a 9-year-old girl from a cruise ship 170 miles offshore Galveston, Monday. The helicopter crew arrived on scene and transported her to the UTMB. The patient was last reported to be in stable condition. #uscg #heartland #houston #texas @USCG pic.twitter.com/9DqUwIV2zc

— USCG Heartland (@USCGHeartland) March 4, 2025

While the Coast Guard did not officially identify the vessel, a photograph shared by the 8th District Heartland on X clearly depicted a Disney Cruise Line ship. This visual confirmation, combined with maritime tracking data, confirmed the ship to be Disney Magic, which had departed Galveston on March 2nd for a 4-day Western Caribbean cruise.

Rescuing someone at sea is a complex task, especially on a moving vessel. The long distance and bad weather can make it even more difficult. The Coast Guard acted quickly, sending a helicopter, which was vital to get the child medical help as fast as possible.

While the specific details of the child’s medical situation are being kept private, the successful rescue highlights the vital role of the Coast Guard.

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, further details will not be released. Many are sending their well wishes to the young girl and her family during this time.

Disney Magic is scheduled to arrive back in Galveston, Texas on March 6, before embarking on a 6-day sailing to the Western Caribbean.

This story, while heartbreaking to say the least, is also a reminder to make sure you have cruise travel insurance before you sail.  A helicopter medevac can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 and more in some cases.  On top a difficult medical condition that can create the need for an airlift, having the extra financial burden just makes things harder. 

We hope you don’t ever need to use your travel insurance, but please make sure you have at least some coverage.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is wreaking havoc along the eastern coast of Australia, and it’s starting to impact cruise traffic.  The Category 2 storm, has forced the cancellation of sailings for two cruise ships, disrupting travel plans for at least 7,000 passengers.

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have both confirmed cancellations due to the severe weather and port closures in Brisbane, Australia.  And because the port will remain closed for the near future, these ships will have to remain at sea for a while longer.

Carnival Luminosa

Carnival Cruise Line announced the cancellation of Carnival Luminosa’s 3-day cruise, which was scheduled to depart from Brisbane on March 6th. The cruise line cited the storm’s projected impact and the closure of the Port of Brisbane as the primary reasons for the decision.

Carnival emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew was their main priority. Affected passengers will receive full refunds for their cruise fares and any pre-purchased add-ons. The ship’s current voyage was also impacted, resulting in a delayed return to Brisbane.

Carnival made this statement regarding the cancellation:

“Our Fleet Operations Center continues to keep a close eye on Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Given its current track, the storm is expected to directly impact the Brisbane area in the coming days and the port is now closed as it prepares. Once the storm passes, officials must conduct a post-storm assessment before we can be cleared to safely return to port. We are anticipating that this process will take some time to complete, the earliest being Saturday, 8 March. Regrettably, we have no alternative but to cancel your voyage.”

While plans are still up in the air, the Carnival vessel is currently scheduled to depart from Brisbane on a 4-day sailing on March 9, if no other alterations are made.

On April 3, 2025, Carnival Luminosa will set off on a 28-day sailing from Brisbane to Seattle, from which port the ship will offer 7-day Alaskan cruises for the season before coming back to Australia.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean also canceled a Quantum of the Seas’ scheduled 3-night sailing, which was set to depart on March 7th, 2025. The company explained that the storm’s forecast and port closure prevented the ship from returning to Brisbane as scheduled.

Royal Caribbean is providing affected passengers with full refunds for their cruise fares, deposits, and pre-paid extras, as well as future cruise credits.

The next scheduled sailing after the cancelled cruise is currently set for March 14, and it’s a 14-day sailing around New Zealand.  In early May the ship will reposition to Seattle for the Alaskan cruise season.

Both cruise lines mentioned the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the necessity of ensuring safety for their passengers, even when it means canceling sailings.

Other cruise ships have been impacted as well, as we reported yesterday with Norwegian Sun and Cunard’s Queen Anne being rerouted to avoid impacts from the storm.

Scandinavia at its finest with Ambassador

Scandinavia is a part of the world that I’ve always enjoyed visiting, as there’s so much history and culture to soak up. One day, you find yourself docked in a bustling city centre and the next, a quaint seaside town. When Ambassador Cruise Line advertised their 12-night ‘Treasures of Denmark and Sweden’ sailing aboard Ambition, I knew that was a cruise for me.

I’d sailed previously with Ambassador, to the Canaries, Madeira and Morocco, aboard Ambience, but this time, I’d join her fleet sister, Ambition, for the first time. We sailed from Newcastle and called into Dundee, Copenhagen, Fredericia, Ronne, Visby, Stockholm and Aarhus. I’ll point out that embarkation was well organised and swift. It was the fastest check-in and onboard turnaround I’ve experience on any cruise.

I always enjoy walking around Stockholm, I know the Gamla Stan area quite well, yet when I walk through all the winding streets, I always feel lost in another world. There are cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and stores selling more traditional Swedish gifts and other items. Granted, things in this part of the world can be very expensive, so I don’t tend to buy much, if anything, I just enjoy the vibe and atmosphere.

Ronne was a charming delight. I’d visited on a previous cruise, but I couldn’t remember much about it. Eventually, the penny dropped. I think it was because during my first visit, it was very busy but this time, everywhere was very quiet. It’s a nice place to stroll around and there’s some wonderful architecture to enjoy as you go. I’d also never seen so many conkers in my life – they were everywhere! Hundreds of them littering the grass verges and cobbled streets. It brought back childhood memories of having conker fights at school. I used to spend hours toughening them up and putting them on string to battle with others in the playground.

Copenhagen was another port I’d previously visited and having done Tivoli and Nyhavn, I decided to use the free shuttle bus service and just walk around at my own pace. I’m glad I did, as I discovered things I’d not previously stumbled on, and I finally got to see the Little Mermaid minus graffiti. I explored the Kastellet, one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved fortifications. Today, it’s used as a military establishment and is a conserved area. It is constructed in the form of a pentagon with bastions at its corners. Kastellet was continuous with the ring of bastioned ramparts which used to encircle Copenhagen but of which only the ramparts of Christianshavn remain today. The grounds are lovely, and the windmill is quite impressive.

Overall, I enjoyed the itinerary very much. I thought it was well planned and well executed. Nothing was rushed and there were always more than enough shuttle buses, so no huge queues all the time, or people complaining.

Ambition is a very comfortable ship with ample public areas for guests to enjoy, including The Angel Bar, Purple Turtle, a vast pool deck, large spa, theatre and more. The onboard entertainment team were very good. It wasn’t singing and dancing all the time, it was a combination of things, and it piqued my interest.

One thing on Ambition that I preferred over Ambience was the Saffron restaurant, as it had its own dedicated space. Whereas on Ambience, it is nestled right in the middle of the buffet. Having its own dedicated space just made it feel a bit more special.

There are numerous dining options available, including Lupino’s and as previously mentioned, Saffron. I dined at both during my cruise and found the menus varied, I was most surprised by my meal in Lupino’s. When I’d first looked at the menu, I wasn’t blown away by the main course choices, but it turned out to be one of my favourite meals of the cruise. I can recommend the chicken souvlaki. Lupino’s is an additional charge of £14.95 per person.

Fresh breads and dips, a lovely starter and then a delicious main course, that sums up Saffron. I chose the murgh makhani (butter chicken) and couldn’t fault it. One thing I did notice was that the menu said the meal came with a pea pilau, but when they brought the rice to the table it was pilau with apple and pineapple. I wasn’t convinced at first, but it’s one of the nicest rice dishes I’ve ever tried. I can’t really explain the flavour – you’ll have to try it! Saffron is an additional charge of £19.95 per person.

I’d highly recommend Ambassador for solo cruisers and couples. I do a lot of solo cruising and find the size of Ambassador’s ships perfect for having my own space but also socialising when I choose to. Although Ambassador is predominantly child-free, they do offer a selection of multi-generational cruises, so the entire family can cruise together. These tend to be offered during school holiday periods.

On one evening, although they were covered slightly by cloud, the Northern Lights were visible in the sky. I could just make out tones of pink and green, so that was a nice surprise! It was quite a windy evening, but I braved the top outer decks to snap a few images.

If you’re new to cruising or considering Ambassador for the first time, then one of their mini-cruise itineraries would be the perfect option. These tend to be from 1-to-5-night sailings and are the ideal chance to experience everything this cruise line has to offer. An added bonus is that they all sail from UK ports, so there’s no need to factor in airports and flights – you can start your cruise holiday with less stress.

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